Whether it is because of the coronavirus spread or the fear of PDM rally, smart lockdown has been imposed in areas adjacent to the Minar-e-Pakistan as the administration banned all gatherings besides closing all businesses and offices, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

Sheranwala Gate, Shah Alam Market, Bhaati Gate, Islamia Park, Qasoor Pura, Badami Bagh and Ravi Road are localities affected by this latest move. 

Minar-e-Pakistan situated in the Greater Iqbal Park is the venue selected by the opposition alliance for its Sunday’s rally. 

Earlier, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) filed an application with the area police stations for registration of a case against the PML-N workers who forced their way into the Greater Iqbal Park, where the Minar-e-Pakistan is located, after breaking the lock at one of its entry points on Saturday morning.

The administration had locked the Gate No 5 of the Greater Iqbal Park to impede the opposition’s preparations for the Sunday’s PDM rally. But the PML-N workers totally ignored the government warnings and threats, as they also transported the necessary material and started erecting the stage.

As they were not allowed to move in containers for the purpose, the PML-N is assembling two makeshift stages – one for the top leaders and the other for others – using different materials like wood.

The PML-N also couldn’t find any chairs in Lahore for the PDM rally after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s earlier announcement that the tent service providers would be booked if they cooperated with the opposition.

According to sources, none of the tent service owners was ready to rent chairs to the PML-N which is the host for this rally. So, what they did in these circumstances? Well! They bought their own plastic chairs which are now being arranged in the Greater Iqbal Park for the power show tomorrow.

Separately, the top opposition leaders once again ruled out the possibility of any talks with the government and promised close coordination after JUI-F chief Fazl phoned PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari.

The news came just a day after both PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and PML-N Vice-president Maryam Nawaz again ruled out any compromise or talks with the government at a joint presser.